And Sometimes, It Rains

Perhaps by now the beat writers have converged on a nearby chain restaurant after learning they won’t have to make the trek to Orlando to cover the penultimate spring training game of 2011.

For us, it’s a little sadness at missing a chance to see Tom Milone, as the game was going to be broadcast via MLB.tv. But there’s some good news, too.

At 15-13 and with one game left (tomorrow’s finale vs. the Mets), the rainout clinched the first winning Spring Training since the franchise relocated to D.C. in the 2004-05 offseason. And multiple sources are reporting that Brian Broderick has made the 25-man roster.

The last set of cuts are in and Collin Balester, Roger Bernadina, Brian Bixler, and Ross Detwiler were all optioned to Syracuse. Laynce Nix and Matt Stairs will make the team, leaving the final decision of Alex Cora vs. Alberto Gonzalez.

And with that, NationalsProspects.com turns its attention away from spring training and back to the minors, waiting for the four long-season affiliates to start up, which will be…

Syracuse @ Buffalo, 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, April 7
Bowie @ Harrisburg, 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7
Hagerstown @ Rome, 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7
Lynchburg @ Potomac, 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8

Roster information is likely to be embargoed until next week, but I’ll try my best to secure something as soon as possible.